Tenant damage can happen at your rental property, and the number one thing you can do to prevent it is to screen your tenants properly. When you do a good job screening, you will be able to avoid 90 percent of your tenant problems. There are a few additional things you can do to help minimize the potential for damage.
Train Tenants
When you sign a lease with a tenant, explain your expectations so they know that when they move out, the property needs to be left in the same condition as when they received it. Be specific about what you want them to do before they leave.
Inspections
Have semi-annual inspections so you have an idea of how well the tenants are maintaining the property. We will do an inspection every six months. The tenants know we are coming, and they know we expect it to look good. If we notice any damage during these inspections, we address it right away. After the tenant gives notice, you have another opportunity to explain your expectations so they can return the property in good condition.
Prepare the Property
Properties with wood flooring or laminate work best. If you don’t have any carpet, then you don’t have to worry about the carpet being ruined by tenants. Think about your furnishings as well. Some people want to consider renting their homes furnished, and if that happens then all the things you leave in the home can be damaged by tenants.
Typically, tenant damages aren’t as bad as you think they might be. Even with the worst tenants, you should only have to re-paint and replace carpet when they move out. These aren’t small repairs, but it’s rare that a tenant is malicious or leaves holes in the walls. The best way to 
prevent tenant damage is with good tenant screening, proper preparation of your home and the education of your tenants in terms of your expectations.
Contact us at Real Property Management of Southwest Michigan. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
